EP3866562B1 - Compressor module, cooling and / or heating system with compressor modules and method for operating a cooling and / or heating system - Google Patents

Description

A compressor module, a cooling and/or heating system with compressor modules and a method for operating a cooling and/or heating system are described.

background

In cooling and/or heating systems, the compressor output is often regulated via so-called compressor modules, with the compressor output thus having a direct influence on the cooling and/or heating output of cooling and/or heating devices.

In this context, the terms cold water set or cold brine set are also often used. This means a device that cools a liquid to an adjustable temperature via a cooling circuit (e.g. water or brine). The cooled liquid is then used, for example, to cool the air in a room via a cooling device with an evaporator.

Depending on the size of the room, it is often necessary to provide several such cooling devices, each of which has its own compressor module or cold water or cold brine unit. The compressor modules are connected in series for a corresponding cooling capacity.

For this purpose, the regulation can take place via a common control. Among other things, the control regulates the energy supply for the connected compressor modules.

Conventional compressor modules have a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit for cooling a space via a cooling device, the refrigerant circuit and the coolant circuit being connected via a heat exchanger. The refrigerant circuit has a compressor that is operated in accordance with control commands and the energy provided. The compressor thus regulates the cooling of the refrigerant received in the refrigerant circuit and, via the heat exchanger, the cooling or temperature of the coolant conducted in the coolant circuit. The refrigerant circuit is preferably located within the compressor module. The coolant circuit extends between the heat exchanger and the cooling device. For this purpose, the compressor module has connections for lines of the coolant circuit. The cooling device can also have corresponding connections for the lines of the coolant circuit. The cooling device has a further heat exchanger and a fan, which sucks in ambient air and guides it over the heat exchanger, so that the ambient air is cooled depending on the temperature of the coolant.

Compressor modules are used that have an interface with a three-phase current connection. Compressor modules are connected via their interfaces to a corresponding interface of a controller. For this purpose, the controller has a corresponding number of interfaces for a specific number of compressor modules.

Compressor modules are often used in refrigeration cells, with the associated chilled water or cold brine set being arranged outside of a refrigeration cell. The associated cooling device is arranged inside the cooling cell. A control device for setting the required temperature can also be arranged outside the cold store.

State of the art

As a rule, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are used, for example, to regulate the compressors of a compressor module. Here, all the included compressor modules with their compressors must be taken into account in one program. In addition, the necessary terminal points or interfaces for connecting the components must be provided.

If a compressor module is defective, this requires a costly exchange because the control has to be adapted accordingly to the exchange.

The addition of an additional compressor or compressor module requires a change in the programming of the control unit and is therefore also expensive. It is therefore necessary for each connected compressor module Connections can be provided so that a change is sometimes not possible or only possible with great effort.

Another problem with the systems and controls known from the prior art is that in a system with a number of compressors or compressor modules, the inrush currents and the phase load in the network fluctuate greatly. One of the reasons for this is that the high inrush currents that occur when several compressor modules are switched on add up. Strong fluctuations sometimes occur both when the compressor modules are switched on and when there are changes in their performance.

A conventional system with compressor modules connected to a control unit for control and power supply is off US 2016/0245565 A1 known. The compressor modules are connected in parallel and are each connected directly to the control unit. Therefore, adding compressor modules makes it necessary to replace the control unit, because only the number of compressor modules corresponding to the number of interfaces can be connected to the control unit. In addition, the above-mentioned fluctuations in relation to the inrush currents and phase loading occur in the system described.

From the pamphlet US 2015/0338133 A1 a tandem arrangement of compressors for heating and air conditioning devices is known. Starting from an evaporator, two compressors are arranged in parallel and connected to a condenser. The compressors are directly connected to a central controller for controlling the tandem compressor arrangement. In addition, the compressors are connected in parallel with a 3-phase power supply. The aim of the tandem arrangement and the parallel control is to to ensure fail-safe operation of the heating and air conditioning unit.

In the pamphlet U.S. 2004/0016244 A1 an arrangement of several compressors is disclosed. They are part of a cooling system for goods exhibitors in market halls. As also described in the previous publication, the compressors are also connected in parallel here to ensure fail-safe operation. For this reason, the power supply lines and signal lines also run parallel to the respective compressor.

task

In contrast, the object is to specify an improved and simpler design of modules for controlling associated components, a simplified system with such modules, which has a simple exchange and allows easy addition of modules, and a uniform phase loading in the network.

solution

• das Verdichtermodul mindestens eine erste Schnittstelle, eine zweite Schnittstelle, eine Verzögerungsschaltung und eine Einrichtung zur Regelung einer dem Verdichtermodul zugeordneten Kühl- und/oder Heizeinrichtung aufweist, welche zum Einstellen einer über Steuerbefehle vorgebbaren Kühl- und/oder Heizleistung dient,
• das Verdichtermodul über die erste Schnittstelle mit einer Steuerung oder einem in Reihe vorgeschalteten Verdichtermodul zum Empfang von Steuerbefehlen und zur Energieversorgung verbindbar ist, und über die zweite Schnittstelle eine Reihenschaltung mit weiteren Verdichtermodulen herstellbar ist,
• über die Verzögerungsschaltung ein Steuerbefehl für ein nachgeschaltetes Verdichtermodul verzögert weitergebar ist, und
• die ersten und zweiten Schnittstellen Anschlüsse für einen Drehstrom aufweisen, und die Phasen an der zweiten Schnittstelle vertauscht sind.

The above object is achieved by a compressor module for controlling a compressor of a heating and / or cooling system, wherein

• the compressor module has at least a first interface, a second interface, a delay circuit and a device for controlling a cooling and/or heating device assigned to the compressor module, which is used to set a cooling and/or heating capacity that can be specified via control commands,
• the compressor module can be connected via the first interface to a controller or to a series-connected compressor module for receiving control commands and for supplying energy, and a series connection with further compressor modules can be established via the second interface,
• A control command for a downstream compressor module can be passed on with a delay via the delay circuit, and
• the first and second interfaces have connections for a three-phase current, and the phases at the second interface are reversed.

The compressor module is characterized in that the connection to a controller does not necessarily have to be via a direct connection between a compressor module and the controller, but only one compressor module has to be connected to the controller, and further compressor modules can be connected to an upstream compressor module , whereby the compressor modules are connected in series. Swapping the phases between the first interface and the second interface of the compressor module ensures that when several compressor modules connected in series are switched on, the inrush currents that occur do not add up and that there are no strong fluctuations even when there are changes in their performance. This is also supported by the delay circuit, which delays the transmission of a switch-on and/or control command to the next series-connected compressor module. This additional compressor module forwards the switch-on and activation command via its delay circuit to at least one additional compressor module, also with a delay. The phases are always reversed in each compressor module. As a result This allows the inrush currents and the phase load of a power supply network to be evenly distributed.

The device for controlling a cooling and/or heating device assigned to the compressor module includes such means that can provide cooling and/or heating. For example, the means include heat exchangers, fans, a refrigerant circuit with a refrigerant, a coolant circuit with a coolant and/or valves, and a compressor.

The compressor module can have connections for a coolant circuit between the compressor module and a cooling and/or heating device, with the coolant routed in the coolant circuit being able to be brought to an adjustable temperature directly or indirectly by the device for controlling a cooling and/or heating device assigned to the compressor module is. The coolant is fed back and forth from the compressor module to a cooling and/or heating device via lines of the coolant circuit. In the compressor module, the coolant is cooled, for example, and the cooled coolant is then routed to the cooling and/or heating device. In the cooling and/or heating device, the cooling liquid is then used to cool or heat the air in a room or the like, for example by means of additional devices. The cooling liquid is then returned to the compressor module, with the sequence being repeated. If the temperature of the coolant is set directly, the coolant can be routed via a heat exchanger, which is cooled by (ambient) air with the aid of a fan. In the case of indirect cooling, a refrigerant circuit can also be provided.

For this purpose, the compressor module can have a refrigerant circuit, in which case a refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit can be brought to an adjustable temperature via the device for controlling a cooling and/or heating device assigned to the compressor module, and a refrigerant of the coolant circuit can be brought to an adjustable temperature via a heat exchanger connected to the coolant circuit and the refrigerant circuit can be brought to an adjustable temperature. The heat exchanger serves to equalize the temperature of the coolant to the temperature or bring it relatively in the direction of the temperature value. For example, the coolant can be cooled using a chilled coolant. One advantage of indirect cooling is that refrigerants can be used that must not be released into the environment because they are hazardous to health or the environment, for example. However, known coolants have the advantage over conventional coolants that they can transfer the thermal energy along the temperature gradient, which is not possible with a conventional coolant. In order to keep the risk to people and the environment low, the refrigerant is only routed inside the compressor module, so that if refrigerant escapes, it remains inside the compressor module.

However, refrigerants are also known which are not hazardous to health or the environment. With these, too, the required volume of refrigerant is kept low by only routing it within the compressor module. Outside of the compressor module, the energy for cooling and/or heating is transferred via the coolant.

The device for controlling a cooling and/or heating device assigned to the compressor module can at least have a heat exchanger, a compressor and/or a fan.

The first interface and the second interface can have a connection for a control line for receiving and forwarding control commands, the delay circuit having an input which is connected to the control line. Signals received via the control line for controlling the compressor module and in particular for switching on a compressor of the compressor module are routed within the compressor module via the delay circuit. Therefore, the switch-on command or another signal is only forwarded to a further series-connected compressor module if the delay circuit forwards this signal via a corresponding output.

Uniform phase loading is ensured by the fact that the phases are reversed when the additional compressor module connected in series is switched on. This means that the inrush currents for several compressor modules are not all fed via one phase of the three-phase connection.

A compressor of the compressor module can be connected to one of the three phases of the connection for the three-phase current at the first interface. The other phases of the three-phase connection are only passed on within the compressor module from the first interface to the second interface, with the phases also being reversed, so that, for example, a first phase (L1) from the first interface at a connection for a second Phase (L2) of the second interface is present. Accordingly, the second phase (L2) of the first interface at a connection for a third phase (L3) of the second interface and a third phase (L3) of the first interface at a Connection for a first phase (L1) of the second interface. In such an arrangement, when compressor modules are connected in series, neighboring phases are always interchanged.

The delay circuit can also have an output that switches the power supply via the corresponding phase to the compressor of the compressor module. This ensures that the switching on of the compressor can be fully controlled via the delay circuit.

• die Verdichtermodule jeweils mindestens eine erste Schnittstelle, eine zweite Schnittstelle, eine Verzögerungsschaltung und Einrichtungen zur Regelung der mindestens einen Kühl- und/oder Heizeinrichtung aufweisen, welche zum Einstellen einer über Steuerbefehle vorgebbaren Kühl- und/oder Heizleistung dienen,
• die mindestens zwei Verdichtermodule in Reihe geschaltet sind,
• ein erstes Verdichtermodul über die erste Schnittstelle mit der Steuerung verbunden ist und von der Steuerung über die erste Schnittstelle Steuerbefehle empfängt und eine Energieversorgung erfolgt,
• ein zweites Verdichtermodul über dessen erste Schnittstelle an der zweiten Schnittstelle des ersten Verdichtermoduls angeschlossen ist,
• die von der Steuereinheit empfangenen Steuerbefehle für das mindestens eine zweite Verdichtermodul über die Verzögerungsschaltung des ersten Verdichtermoduls verzögert weitergegeben werden, und
• die ersten und zweiten Schnittstellen Anschlüsse für einen Drehstrom aufweisen, und die Phasen an den zweiten Schnittstellen gegenüber den ersten Schnittstellen bei jedem Verdichtermodul vertauscht sind.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a cooling and/or heating system with a controller, at least two compressor modules according to the embodiments described above and at least one associated cooling and/or heating device, the compressor modules being designed to or to control the heating output of the at least one cooling and/or heating device, wherein

• the compressor modules each have at least a first interface, a second interface, a delay circuit and devices for controlling the at least one cooling and/or heating device, which are used to set a cooling and/or heating capacity that can be specified via control commands,
• at least two compressor modules are connected in series,
• a first compressor module is connected to the controller via the first interface and receives control commands from the controller via the first interface and power is supplied,
• a second compressor module is connected via its first interface to the second interface of the first compressor module,
• the control commands received by the control unit for the at least one second compressor module are passed on with a delay via the delay circuit of the first compressor module, and
• the first and second interfaces have connections for a three-phase current, and the phases at the second interfaces are reversed with respect to the first interfaces in each compressor module.

As already explained above in relation to a compressor module, the system is characterized in that the controller, e.g Interface of a series previously connected compressor module are connected. For an even phase load, the delay circuit ensures that a switch-on command and the power supply for the next compressor module are passed on with a delay, the phases for an even phase load of an energy supply network being reversed between the first interface and the second interface of each compressor module.

A uniform phase load is thus advantageously achieved, regardless of how many compressor modules are connected in series.

The first compressor module and the at least one second compressor module and the at least one cooling and/or heating device can be connected to a coolant circuit be connected, with a hydraulic balance between the at least two compressor modules in relation to the at least one cooling and/or heating device prevailing via a Tichelmann system. If the liquid lines or the coolant lines are connected according to the Tichelmann principle, the liquid or the coolant must always cover the same line length between the at least one cooling and/or heating device and the respective compressor modules. The lengths of the flow and return lines are considered together and the same pressure losses occur in each compressor module, so that the mass flow is divided evenly. This achieves a simple hydraulic balance.

• ein Steuerbefehl für mindestens ein zweites Verdichtermodul durch die Verzögerungsschaltung des ersten oder in Reihe davor geschalteten Verdichtermoduls verzögert über die entsprechenden Schnittstellen weitergegeben wird, und
• die Phasen des Drehstroms über die zweite Schnittstelle vertauscht weitergegeben werden.

Finally, the above object is also achieved by a method for operating a cooling and / or heating system according to one of the variants described above, having at least two compressor modules of the type described above, wherein

• a control command for at least one second compressor module is passed on with a delay via the corresponding interfaces by the delay circuit of the first compressor module or the compressor module connected in series before it, and
• the phases of the three-phase current are reversed and passed on via the second interface.

The present invention is characterized in particular by the fact that the control does not have to be changed when compressors or compressor modules are added. For example, if a compressor module is defective, it can be replaced in just a few simple steps without having to intervene in the control.

The entire wiring is done, for example, via coded plug connections, which are formed by the interfaces and appropriately designed (power/signal) lines.

Due to the series connection of the compressor modules, the activation (e.g. a cooling command) of a next (e.g. second) compressor module, which is e.g. downstream of a first compressor module, is delayed by a timing relay (delay circuit).

In addition, the phase on the output connector, which is formed by the second interface, is clamped from L1 to L2, from L2 to L3 and from L3 to L1.

The "twisting" of the phases ensures that there is an even phase load. This also applies in particular if an assigned compressor (e.g. devices for controlling the cooling and/or heating devices) is only operated in one phase.

As a result of the invention, there are no strongly fluctuating network loads during operation.

Additional compressor modules can be added via their first interface by simply plugging them into the second interface of a series-connected compressor module. Correspondingly designed lines with corresponding connections can be used for this purpose. Newly added compressor modules therefore do not have to be connected directly to the controller or a control device. In the prior art, it is customary for this to have a control unit for each module Provide interface, so that this results in strong restrictions and a high cost when connecting modules. The number of compressor modules is often limited as a result, so that when changes are made, a control unit also has to be replaced simply because the number of interfaces or connections is no longer sufficient. The invention, on the other hand, does not require any physical modification of the controller or a control device. Additional compressor modules are added by connecting the additional compressor module to a compressor module with a free second interface.

Further advantages, features and configuration options result from the following figure description of exemplary embodiments which are not to be understood as limiting.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems gemäß dem Stand der Technik mit einer Steuereinheit, einer Kühleinrichtung und mehreren Verdichtermodulen;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines Verdichtermoduls gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung eines Kühlsystems gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einer Steuereinheit, einer Kühleinrichtung und mehreren Verdichtermodulen; und

Fig. 4

einen schematischen Schaltplan eines Teils eines Kühlsystems der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einem Verdichtermodul, welches über eine erste Schnittstelle an eine Steuerung angeschlossen ist und über eine zweite Schnittstelle mit weiteren Verdichtermodulen in Reihe geschaltet werden kann.

In the drawings shows:

1

a schematic representation of a system according to the prior art with a control unit, a cooling device and a plurality of compressor modules;

2

a schematic representation of a compressor module according to the present invention;

3

a schematic representation of a cooling system according to the present invention with a control unit, a cooling device and a plurality of compressor modules; and

4

1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a portion of a refrigeration system of the present invention having a Compressor module, which is connected to a controller via a first interface and can be connected in series with other compressor modules via a second interface.

In the drawings, elements provided with the same reference numbers correspond essentially to one another, unless otherwise indicated. In addition, there is no need to show and describe components that are not essential for understanding the technical teaching disclosed herein. In the following, the reference symbols are not repeated for all elements that have already been introduced and shown, provided that the elements themselves and their function have already been described or are known to a person skilled in the art.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments State of the art

1 shows a schematic representation of a cooling system 10 according to the prior art with a control unit 12, a cooling device 14 and a plurality of compressor modules 16.

The cooling system 10 is used to regulate the temperature in a refrigeration cell and has the compressor modules 16 for this purpose. The compressor modules 16 have compressors that are connected to a refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circuit running inside the compressor modules 16 . The coolant circuit is thermally connected via a heat exchanger to a coolant circuit 15 which is connected to the compressor modules 16 and the cooling device 14 .

The coolant conducted in the coolant circuit 15 is brought to an adjustable temperature via the compressor modules 16 and conveyed to the cooling device 14 . The cooling device 14 is arranged inside the cooling cell and has a fan that guides the air in the cooling cell via a heat exchanger that is in thermal contact with the coolant circuit 15 . It is thus possible via the compressor modules 16 to cool the air within the cold cell by means of the cooling device 14 or to bring it to an adjustable temperature.

The control unit 12 is used to regulate the compressor modules 16 and is connected to a power supply network for this purpose. The control unit 12 uses this to provide the power supply for the connected compressor modules 16 . The control unit 12 has a number of interfaces 13 via which a number of compressor modules 16 with corresponding interfaces 18 are connected. The lines for the energy supply run between the interfaces 13 and the interfaces 18 .

The compressor modules 16 are connected to a three-phase network and therefore have connections for the 3 phases of the three-phase current at the interfaces 18 . The interfaces 13 are designed accordingly.

So that the compressor modules 16 can be switched on via the control unit 12, a corresponding number of interfaces 13 are required. This means that only as many compressor modules 16 can be connected via the control unit 12 as interfaces 13 are provided. An extension of the control unit 12 is not possible, so that the control unit 12 with an adjustment by a other control unit 12 with multiple interfaces 13 must be replaced.

The switch-on command for the compressor modules 16 generated via the control unit 12 also causes all the compressor modules 16 to be switched on at the same time. The design of the control unit 12 and the interfaces 13 is designed in such a way that the power supply to all connected compressor modules 16 is identical, with the respective phases (L1, L2, L3) being connected to one another at the interfaces 18. The consequence of this is that when the compressor modules 16 are switched on, the inrush currents add up and thus a high phase load occurs in the energy supply network.

The known design of a cooling system 10 with compressor modules 16 therefore has the disadvantage that the number of compressor modules 16 depends on the number of interfaces 13 on the control unit 12 and when the compressor modules 16 are switched on, there is a high phase load in the power supply network.

Design of a compressor module and a cooling system according to the invention

The teachings proposed herein provide a solution to the design limitation of prior art cooling systems as well as a solution to the high phase loads in a power grid.

For this purpose, a compressor module 100 is proposed, which has a delay circuit 130 for the delayed forwarding of switch-on commands and a first interface 110 and a second interface 120, wherein the phases at the interfaces 110 and 120 are reversed.

2 shows a schematic representation of such a compressor module 100 in an exemplary embodiment.

The compressor module 100 has a housing which has a connection for the first interface 110 and a connection for the second interface 120 . In addition, the compressor module 100 has other components that are accommodated in the housing. The compressor module 100 has, for example, the delay circuit 130, a compressor 140, a fan 150 and other switches and components, which are not shown in an exhaustive manner. The representation of the components themselves is only of an exemplary nature. Furthermore, by an appropriate design (programming and wiring), for example. The breakers shown in the circuit of 2 and also in 4 be realized by closers.

The compressor 140 is designed as a speed-controlled pump. In this way, the refrigeration or cooling capacity in a refrigerant circuit can be changed depending on the speed of the pump. The control is carried out via a controller of a control unit 300. Analogously, the speed of the fan 150 can be regulated in order to influence the cooling capacity according to control commands depending on operating commands or parameters (coolant temperature, coolant temperature, cold room temperature, cooling requirement, etc.).

The schematic representation of 2 shows the solution according to the invention, where at the interfaces 110 and 120 the phases L1-L3 from the first interface 110 interchanged and forwarded to the second interface 120. The consequence of this is that when several compressor modules 100 connected in series are switched on, the compressors 140 and the components of the compressor modules 100 are not all fed by the same phase.

In order to also cause a delay, the delay circuit 130 is provided, which has an input for a signal line. The signal line receives from an in 3 and 4 illustrated control unit 300 the switch-on command. This switch-on command is forwarded to the second interface 120 with a delay via the delay circuit 130 . A compressor module 100 which is subsequently connected in series thus receives the switch-on command for switching on the components, such as a compressor 140, with a delay. The current is then supplied for a further compressor module 100 not via phase L1 but via phase L3.

Compressor modules 100 are connected in series in such a way that further compressor modules 100 can be connected to a compressor module 100 via the second interfaces 120, with the first interface 110 of a further compressor module 100 being connected to the second interface 120 of a series-connected compressor module 100.

The first compressor module 100 of a series connection of compressor modules 100 is connected to a second interface 320 of the control unit 300 via the first interface 110 . Thus, a corresponding interface 320 for the control unit 300 is sufficient to connect any number of compressor modules 100 without converting or replacing the control unit 300, wherein when the compressor modules 100 are switched on, the phase load in Energy supply or power grid remains essentially the same and there are no strong differences or fluctuations.

In 2 is indicated schematically that the signal line is connected to the phase L1. The connection is in a control unit 300, with the connection of phase L1 to the signal line being regulated by a controller in the control unit. This means that a signal for switching on the compressor modules 100 is only passed on via the signal line if a connection has been established via the control unit 300 between phase L1 and the signal line. The signal via the control line also causes the corresponding switching means to be triggered so that the current-carrying phase is routed to the compressor 140 and the other components (see 4 ). It is therefore not sufficient that, for example, phase L1 enables a power supply. In addition, there must be a connection between the current-carrying phase and the components to be controlled (eg compressor 140) by means of a corresponding control via the switch-on command supplied by means of the signal line.

3 shows a schematic representation of a cooling system 400 with a control unit 300, a cooling device 200 and a plurality of compressor modules 100 according to the embodiment of FIG 2 .

The control unit 300 has a first interface 310 . The control unit 300 is connected to an energy supply or electricity network via the first interface 310 . The control unit 300 also has a controller which provides the switch-on command for connected compressor modules 100 via appropriate switching means. The controller can have a program for this purpose, which controls the compressor modules 100 and the cooling device 200 according to user inputs and/or parameters of the connected components and a cooling cell to be cooled via the cooling device 200 .

The control unit 300 has a further interface 330, via which the cooling device 200 is connected to the control unit 300 both for supplying energy and for receiving control signals.

The cooling device 200 can, for example, as in the embodiment of FIG 4 shown, be designed as a ceiling air cooler and is used to cool the air in a cold room. For this purpose, the ceiling air cooler has a compressor, heat exchanger and a fan as well as other components that are not and 4 are only partially shown. So are in the Figures 2 to 4 for all components, the connections to a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit 410 and a refrigerant circuit and the coolant circuit 410 are not shown or only shown schematically.

The control unit 100 requires only a single interface 320 for the compressor modules 100, since the compressor modules 100 are connected in series via their first and second interfaces 110, 120. Due to the design of the compressor modules 100, a switch-on command is passed on with a delay via the respective delay circuits 130 in the compressor modules 100 and the phases L1-L3 are passed on reversed at the second interfaces 120, so that a power supply with 3 compressor modules 100 connected in series for the respective Compressor modules 100 takes place in such a way that the first Compressor module 100 is supplied with phase L1 with electricity, the next, second compressor module 100 is supplied with phase L3 with electricity and the next, third compressor module 100 with phase L2 is supplied with electricity. Further subsequent compressor modules 100 are then supplied with current in accordance with the above-mentioned sequence via the respective phases L1-L3 due to the design of the compressor modules 100.

If the cooling system 400 changes with regard to the number of compressor modules 100, no reprogramming of the controller of the control unit 300 or replacement of the control unit 300 is necessary, because the control unit 300 can be operated independently of the number of compressor modules 100 connected in series.

The compressor modules 100 each have a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit is coupled to a heat exchanger that is thermally coupled to the coolant circuit 410 . The compressor modules 100 have connections for lines of the coolant circuit 410 . The cooling device 200 also has connections for lines of the coolant circuit 410 . A coolant is conducted in the coolant circuit 410 , which coolant is cooled by the coolant in the coolant circuit and absorbs heat from the ambient air in the cooling cell in the cooling device 200 . The temperature in the cooling cell is thus influenced as a function of the temperature of the refrigerant and the coolant. Furthermore, the compressor output of the compressors 140 and the speed of the fans 150 in the compressor modules 100 influence the temperature of the refrigerant and thus the coolant. Furthermore, the temperature in the cold room according to the compressor performance of the compressor and a fan of the Cooling device 200 affected. The compressor of the cooling device serves as a pump, which conveys the coolant in the coolant circuit. The speed of the pump, like the fan, can be regulated to regulate the cooling capacity.

The series connection of the compressor modules 100 enables rapid cooling of the refrigerant and thus of the coolant. Since, as a rule, no different activation of essentially identically designed compressor modules 100 is required for cooling, with a series connection of the compressor modules 100 and due to the design of the compressor modules 100 compared to the prior art, simpler, variable and resource-saving cooling of a cold cell or another refrigeration device (e.g. refrigerated cabinets, etc.). The cooling system 400 described herein can also be correspondingly transferred to a heating system without deviating from the concept described herein.

The individual compressor modules 100 connected in series are connected to one another in relation to the cooling device 200 according to a Tichelmann circuit, so that the total length of the flow and return for each compressor module 100 in relation to the cooling device 200 is the same length. A hydraulic balancing of the compressor modules 100 is thus achieved in a simple manner.

The cooling device 200 designed as a ceiling air cooler can be interconnected with other ceiling air coolers in order to be able to provide a greater cooling capacity. The circuit can relate to the control via the signal line 420 and energy supply and/or the connection to the coolant circuit 410 .

To equalize the pressure for the coolant in the coolant circuit 410, the cooling system 400 can additionally have a membrane expansion vessel, a venting device and, for filling, a filling unit for the coolant.

4 shows a schematic circuit diagram of part of a cooling system 400 according to a further embodiment with a cooling device 200 and a compressor module 100, which is connected via a first interface 110 to a control unit 300 and via a second interface 120 with further compressor modules 100 can be connected in series.

This in 4 The cooling system 400 shown is designed to cool a space, such as a cold store. The part of the cooling system 400 shown has a control unit 300, which contains the controller for operating cooling devices 200, a compressor module 100 and a cooling device 200 designed as a ceiling air cooler.

The control unit 300 has a three-phase connection. The control unit 300 has at least one controller, which controls the operation of cooling components, such as the ceiling air cooler and cooling devices, which are regulated via the compressor module 100 .

For this purpose, the control unit 300 has corresponding connections or interfaces 310, 320 (phases L1-L3, PE, N and signal line).

The compressor module 100 has a first interface 110 and a second interface 120 . The compressor module 100 is connected to a corresponding via the first interface 110 and correspondingly designed lines Interface 320 of the control unit 300 connected. Both the energy supply for the compressor module 100 and a compressor 140 and the transmission of control commands take place via the first interface 110 .

An additional compressor module 100 can be connected via the second interface 120 . Further compressor modules 100 are advantageously connected via a series connection of the compressor modules 100. As a result, no additional connections need to be provided on the control unit 300, which would also necessitate reprogramming when further compressor modules 100 are connected.

Control commands for cooling the space of the cold cell are transmitted via the control unit 300 to a first compressor module 100, which then controls an associated compressor 140 accordingly. The control command is applied to the second interface 120 via a delay circuit 130 of the compressor module 100 and a signal line. The control command is thus forwarded to a further compressor module 100 with a delay, which is connected to the first compressor module 100 via the second interface 120 . At the second interface 120 of the compressor modules 100, the phases are additionally swapped, with phase L1 being placed on L2, phase L2 on L3 and phase L3 on L1.

When two compressor modules 100 are connected via a second interface 120 and a first interface 110, the phases are thus “rotated”. As a result, the inrush currents and the phase load are evenly distributed in the power grid. It therefore occurs when switching on by swapping the phases from one compressor module 100 to the next compressor module 100 and by the delayed control command via the delay circuit 130 to a staggered and delayed switching on of compressors 140, which are associated with the series downstream compressor modules 100.

The compressors 140 themselves use their speed to control the delivery of a refrigerant, so that the cooling capacity of cooling devices, such as the cooling device 200, can be controlled or at least additionally influenced by the speed.

The invention is characterized in particular by the simplicity and the ability to expand the cooling system 400 and the compressor modules 100 as desired. In addition, the power supply is reliably regulated and strong fluctuations and high inrush currents are avoided.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in more detail by the advantageous exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples. Other variations can be derived from this by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Reference List

10

cooling system

12

control unit

13

interface

14

cooling device

15

coolant circuit

16

compressor module

18

interface

100

compressor module

110

first interface

120

second interface

130

delay circuit

140

compressor

150

fan

200

cooling device

300

control unit

310

first interface

320

second interface

330

interface

400

cooling system

410

coolant circuit

420

signal line

Claims (10)

1. Compressor module to regulate a compressor of a cooling and/or heating system, wherein

   - the compressor module (100) has at least a first interface (110), a second interface (120), a delay circuit (130) and an unit to regulate a cooling and/or heating device (200) allocated to the compressor module (100), which is used to set a cooling and/or heating capacity that can be preset via control commands,

   - the compressor module (100) is connectable via the first interface (110) with a control unit or a compressor module arranged inline upstream to receive control commands and for power supply, and via the second interface (120) an inline arrangement is preparable with another compressor modules (100),

   - via the delay circuit (130) a control command for a downstream arranged compressor module (100) is delayable passable, and

   - the first interface (110) and the second interface (120) have ports for three-phase current, and the phases on the second interface (120) are reversed.
2. Compressor module according to claim 1, wherein the compressor module (100) has ports for a coolant circuit (410) between the compressor module (100) and a cooling and/or heating device (200), wherein the coolant conducted in the coolant circuit (410) is conducted through the unit to regulate a cooling and/or heating device (200) assigned to a compressor module (100) is settable directly or indirectly to an adjustable temperature.
3. Compressor module according to claim 2, having a refrigerant circuit, wherein a refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit is settable to a predefineable temperature via the unit to regulate a cooling and/or heating device (200) assigned to a compressor module (100) and a coolant of the coolant circuit (410) settable to a temperature via a cooling circuit (410) and the refrigerant circuit allocated to a heat exchanger.
4. Compressor module according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the unit to regulate one of cooling and/or heating devices (200) allocated to a compressor module (100) having at least a heat exchanger, a compressor (140) and/or a fan (150).
5. Compressor module according to any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the first interface (110) and the second interface (120) having a port for a control line to receive and transmit control commands, and wherein the delay circuit (130) having an inport, which is connected to the control line.
6. Compressor module according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein a compressor (140) of the compressor module (100) is connected to the ports of one of the three-phase current at the first interface (110).
7. Compressor module according to claim 6, wherein the delay circuit (130) having an exit port, switches the power supply via the corresponding phase to the compressor (140) of the compressor module (100).
8. Cooling and/or heating system having a controller, at least two compressor modules (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 7 and at least one associated cooling and/or heating device (200), wherein the compressor modules (100) are designed for regulating the cooling and/or heating capacity of at least one cooling and/or heating device (200), wherein

   - the compressor modules (100) respectively having at least one first interface (110), one second interface (120), a delay circuit (130) and an unit to regulate the at least one cooling and/or heating device (200), which is to set predefineable cooling and/or heating capacity via control commands,

   - the at least two compressor modules (100) are connected in line,

   - a first compressor module (100) is connected to the control unit via the first interface (110) and receiving control commands via the first interface (110) and a power supply occurs,

   - a second compressor module (100) is connected to the second interface (120) of the first compressor module (100) via its first interface (110),

   - the received control commands from the control unit for the at least one second compressor module (100) are transmitted with a delay via the delay circuit (130) of the first compressor module (100), and

   - the first and second interface (110, 120) having ports for three phase current, and the phases at the second interfaces (120) are reversed to the first interface (110) of each compressor module (100).
9. Cooling and/or heating system according to claim 8, wherein the first compressor module (100) and the at least a second compressor module (100) as well as the at least one cooling and/or heating device (200) are connected to a coolant circuit (410), and a hydraulic compensation prevails between the at least two compressor modules (100) to the at least one cooling and/or heating device (200) via a Tichelmann system.
10. Method of operating a cooling and/or heating system (400) according to claim 8 or 9, having at least two compressor modules (100) according to any of the claims 1 to 7, wherein

    - a control command for at least a second compressor module (100) is transmitted with a delay via the corresponding interfaces (110, 120) by the delay circuit (130) of a first or inline arranged upstream compressor module (100), and

    - the phases of the three phase current are transmitted reversed via the second interface (120).

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